The Art of Acquiring: A Portrait of Etta and Claribel Cone

The Art of Acquiring follows the lives of sisters Etta and Claribel Cone, two women from Baltimore who amassed one of the world's most significant collections of modern art in the early 20th century. Their collection included works by Matisse, Picasso, and other emerging artists who would become icons of modernism. The book traces their journey from their conventional upbringing as daughters of German-Jewish immigrants to their emergence as influential patrons of avant-garde art. Their friendship with Gertrude and Leo Stein in Paris opened doors to the city's artistic circles, where they developed relationships with leading artists and began acquiring works that many critics dismissed. Through extensive research and access to personal letters and documents, Gabriel reconstructs the sisters' decision-making process as they built their collection over decades. The narrative examines their different personalities and approaches to collecting, as well as the cultural and social forces that shaped their choices. The book presents a study of how personal vision and cultural transformation intersect, revealing the impact that two independent women had on the acceptance of modern art in America. Their story raises questions about the role of collectors in shaping artistic legacy and the nature of taste itself.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Mary Gabriel's overall work: Readers consistently highlight Gabriel's depth of research and ability to bring historical figures to life through personal details and clear context. Amazon reviewers for "Ninth Street Women" note her skill at weaving multiple biographies together while maintaining narrative momentum. Readers appreciate: - Detailed historical context that enhances character understanding - Balanced treatment of personal lives and professional work - Clear explanations of complex art movements and political ideas - Inclusion of primary sources and first-hand accounts Common criticisms: - Length and density of some passages - Occasional repetition of information - Too many peripheral characters and side stories - Some readers find the pacing slow in middle sections Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Ninth Street Women" - 4.4/5 (3,800+ ratings) "Love and Capital" - 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: "Ninth Street Women" - 4.7/5 (900+ reviews) "Love and Capital" - 4.6/5 (150+ reviews) One reader summarized: "Gabriel excels at showing how personal relationships shaped artistic and political movements, though the level of detail might overwhelm casual readers."

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🎨 The Cone sisters amassed one of the world's most important collections of modern art, including over 3,000 pieces, which they eventually donated to the Baltimore Museum of Art. 📝 The sisters were among the first Americans to collect works by Matisse, and their collection includes 500 pieces by the artist, who became a close personal friend. 🏰 Living in adjoining apartments in Baltimore, the Cone sisters stored their growing art collection on every available surface, including under their beds and in their bathrooms. 💫 Author Mary Gabriel is a Pulitzer Prize finalist who has written several acclaimed biographies, including "Love and Capital: Karl and Jenny Marx and the Birth of a Revolution." 🌟 The Cone sisters funded their art collecting through their family's successful textile business, where their brothers revolutionized the production of denim for companies like Levi Strauss.